They were so sure the witness protection program would do what it claimed -- protect them. Even with new identities and addresses they were found, and once again their lives were in jeopardy. So armed with the knowledge that WITSEC was no match for the gang looking for revenge Virgil, his sister Laurel and friend Rex were on the run again. This time they were not using any government agency to help them hide -- they were on their own. How do you manage to live a somewhat normal life when constantly looking over your shoulder?

In a small town in Montana, Vivian (aka Laurel) was beginning to fit in and enjoy the feeling of safety for her and her two children. She really missed her brother, his family, and her mother but was willing to do just about anything to keep her kids safe. But now a seemingly random murder had taken place and the sheriff had no clues and no motive. The serenity and peace of this little town had now been breached by a brutal crime. Vivian tried to blend in rather than call attention to herself. No one here had any reason to know her background and that she was living under a false name. She knew firsthand about violence. Her entire family paid an enormous price when her stepfather was killed. Virgil had become a member of a prison gang, The Crew, just to survive and there was no shortage of brutality from any of its members. But Vivian wasn't ready to assume that The Crew was involved in this murder and she certainly didn't want to consider that they had found her whereabouts once again.

Myles, the sheriff, had been attracted to his mysterious new neighbor and he felt it was mutual. She was so leery of him but he chalked it off to his being a policeman. Vivian was anxious to get any word about the murder and realized Myles would be a good source but that would mean changing her tactics. So far remaining closed mouth about her own life was accepted by those she befriended but Myles wasn't going to open up to her unless she took the first step. Saying Vivian was reluctant to start anything with Myles was an understatement -- she could never forgive herself if she exposed him or his daughter to harm. But she was really frightened by this random senseless murder and now by the warnings she was receiving from her brother Virgil. Something was brewing and it was pretty sure that the gang was close to finding her. How could anyone help her? Did she dare bring Myles into this nightmare that her life had become?

Novak's done it once again. I didn't realize that Novak's book Inside was ripe for a sequel when I devoured it. This book also kept me on the edge of the seat perhaps because I was already invested in these characters. If you enjoyed Inside this is a must read.